STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a pharma tariff exception, FDA inspection cutbacks, and more
The Trump administration carved out an exception for pharmaceuticals from the president's new tariff regime, at least for now
Hello, everyone, and how are you today? We are just fine, thank you, despite gloomy skies hovering over the sleepy Pharmalot campus. Our spirits remain sunny thanks, in part, to sage advice from the Morning Mayor: “Every new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift.” So while you tug on the ribbon, we will indulge in a few more cups of stimulation — our choice today is orange creme — and continue our quest for items of interest. Speaking of which, here are some tidbits. Hope your day is simply smashing, and do drop us a line when interesting developments pop up in your vicinity. …
Despite widespread expectations, the Trump administration carved out an exception for pharmaceuticals from his new tariff regime, at least for now. President Trump had singled out the pharmaceutical industry, along with a few other sectors, in recent weeks, prompting drug companies to lobby the White House to avoid or defer tariffs. And a couple of the largest manufacturers — such as Eli Lilly, Merck ,and Johnson & Johnson — announced plans to build large plants in the U.S. But despite these moves, the industry may not have escaped tariffs altogether, according to analysts. Some suggest that the Trump administration may still levy tariffs in order to shift pharmaceutical assets and production from Ireland, for instance, where numerous drugmakers not only have plants but have also registered intellectual property. Trump regularly complains that Ireland, which has a lower tax rate, has unfairly benefited at the expense of the U.S.
In his first address as U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner, Marty Makary sounded a bit like an introduction to one of his books, STAT reports. The Wednesday talk included sweeping declarations about the need to challenge scientific norms, and to identify the root causes of chronic disease. Makary also sprinkled in anecdotes intended to stir emotion, recounting the time when his father gave a cancer patient a hug at the grocery store. But he said little about specific plans for his agency and about the Health and Human Services Department layoffs that roiled staff on Tuesday, according to a recording of the town hall obtained by STAT. Makary did acknowledge the stress FDA career staff have been under since the beginning of the Trump administration, which has instituted a work-in-person policy as well as chaotic cuts to probationary workers in February. Makary also maintained that he valued FDA career staff enormously, and would be meeting with people to learn how to best support them.
